Oldies but Goodies: The Magnetic Fields (Live @ The Queen Elizabeth Theater)

February 9th, 2010

Magnetic Fields

So say one day you hear this great song in a movie or TV show. As soon as the sound hits your ears your brain begins to explode a little. You’re all “ME LIKES THIS SONG” and you go and find out just what the song is. You freeze a little. This ain’t no new up and coming little band. Oh no. This is a great band with a back catalog of albums. That fact that you’ve never heard of them before astonishes you. You’ve stumbled upon an oldie but goodie. And there’s nothing better.

Today is the day my little pets that I shall introduce your ears to The Magnetic Fields. A band I discovered after their song “The One You Really Love” was played in an episode of Skins. Let’s get started.

Concert review, photos, and other neat things after the jump…

The Magnetic Fields are a little older. Their first album Distant Plastic Trees came out in 1991. Dudes. That’s the year I was born. Dudes. Some of you aren’t even that old. Now don’t let this fact scare you away. Instead think of it like buried treasure. Treasure is the best! Am I right?

All right, now that you’re possibly past their age as a band let’s move on. While The Magnetic Fields are filled some great musicians, the real star is Stephin Merritt. Known for being a bit of a grump, he’s the main singer-song writer guy whose low bass voice and heartbreaking yet funny lyrics really make The Magnetic Fields what they are.

Here are some of my favourite Magnetic Fields lyrics…
Don’t fall in love with me yet/ We only recently met/True I’m in love with you but/you might decide I’m a nut
- Absolutely Cuckoo

Underneath the strobe light/We’ll dance all night/I’m a little bit shy, you’re easy on the eye/And at the slightest touch we’re in love/You and me and the moon
- You And Me And The Moon

Love you, obviously, like you really care/even though you treat me, like a dancing bear
- How F*cking Romantic

I went out to the forest and caught a hundred thousand fireflies/As they richocet round the room, they remind me of your starry eyes/Someone else’s might not have made me so sad
- 100,000 Fireflies

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Yeah. I know. So heartbreaking. Yet so good!

As if you need more reasons why to check them out, let me tell you about their concert last night at Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theater. As I mentioned before front man Stephin Merritt is know for being a little grumpy yet so interesting. So much so that a documentary all about him and the Magnetic Fields is going to premier at SXSW. Check out the trailer!

See what I mean? Such a character!
Going into the concert I could tell that I wasn’t the only one holding my breath. You see, Mr. Merritt also doesn’t love performing live. Not really knowing what to expect The Magnetic Fields took the stage. The songs began and Stephin Merritt cracked a small smile. He was in a good mood! Yay!

Unlike your typical concert, the show had two sets with an intermission! The setlist was not only a mix of songs from The Magnetic Fields various albums, but a mix of songs from Stephin Merritt’s side projects as well. Neat right? Not to be cheesy – but all in all the night was a happy fun surprise!

Give The Magnetic Fields a listen and tell us what you think!

Their Myspace
Their Website

Know any other bands that are oldies but goodies? Let us know!

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